Marcus Sylvas is the Leadership Development Program Manager at the Louisiana Transportation and Research Center.  In his role, he conducts a variety of customized leadership development courses for Department of Transportation and Development employees across Louisiana.  Prior to this role, he worked as a Talent Acquisition Specialist at Louisiana State University where he specialized in faculty, staff, and executive recruitment. 

Marcus earned his Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Business from LSU and an MBA with a concentration in Human Resource Management from Southern University.  He is currently in pursuit of his PhD at LSU after earning a Master’s degree in Leadership and Human Resources Development in 2021.  In addition to earning his second Master’s degree, he also passed his SHRM-CP in 2021.  Outside of his work and academic life, Marcus is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society, and the Society of Human Resource Management.  In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and trying different foods.

Tara Gallope is an HR Consultant Supervisor for Louisiana State Civil Service where she serves as the Instructor-led Training Team Supervisor. In addition to managing and developing an amazing team of facilitators, her role also includes facilitation, instructional design, and program management.  She holds a Bachelor's degree in Strategic Communication from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a Master's degree from Louisiana State University in Leadership and Human Resource Development. Tara is in her fourth year of serving on the ATD Baton Rouge Board of Directors. Her people-oriented personality drives her passion for training and talent development, and she looks forward to connecting and engaging with more TD professionals through her service on ATDBR's Board of Directors.

Nicole Payne-Jack, Ed.D. is currently the Training and Development Manager of the Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge (BREC). She has served as a Professional Development Instructor/Trainer, facilitated national training workshops, professional development speaking engagements, created and facilitated organizational training modules, and led the expansion of volunteer and leadership development programs throughout the gulfcoast region. Nicole has served as BREC’s Toastmasters International VP Education for its chartered club.

Prior to her role at BREC, she served as a Professional Development Trainer at Lantec Corporate Training Center where she facilitated soft skills trainings for hundreds of employees from a variety of industries/organizations throughout Louisiana. She holds a doctorate degree in Organizational Leadership with concentration in Human Resources Development, a Master’s degree in Organizational Management, is a Certified Green Belt through the International Association for Six Sigma Certifications and holds over 20 years of experience in leadership and organizational development, training delivery, program development, and performance management. Over the past decade, Nicole has enjoyed developing programs in collaboration with the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Atlanta Department of Parks & Recreation and the City of Birmingham Mayor’s Office Division of Youth Services and local organizations throughout Louisiana. Above all, Nicole is a lover of learning with a passion for people. It is through that passion that fuels her purpose in life…to make a positive impact on the lives of others, whether they expect it or not! Outside of her work life, Nicole is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and enjoys any opportunity to volunteer in service to others. In her spare time, traveling and spending time with her family are top priorities, well at least pre-COVID.

Julie Miller currently serves as a Talent Development Consultant Specialist in the Workforce Development division at Louisiana State Civil Service. Julie and her team assist Louisiana State Civil Service in fulfilling their goal of attracting, developing, and retaining a productive, diverse, and engaged workforce by creating, designing, and delivering training.

Julie has been involved in training in varying capacities for 15 years. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, and spending time with her husband, family, and friends.

Burgundy Cummings is responsible for the Training and Development program at the Secretary of State’s office. She creates and delivers eLearning and facilitator-led training on various soft skills and leadership development topics. She manages the LMS for the Department and is responsible for the Department's philanthropic projects.

Burgundy has over 10 years of Human Resources experience and has transitioned into a training role within the last 7 years. She has previously served as the VP of Marketing and Communications at ATDBR. She is excited about serving in her new role as the Secretary of ATDBR and looks forward to meeting more members!

Margaret Dunn is a Human Resources Specialist at the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, where she serves as an employee administration liaison. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Management from Southeastern Louisiana University. Her focus on fostering meaningful connections fuels her passion for all things related to human resources and talent development. Margaret is excited to serve on the ATD Board for her first year as VP of Hospitality!

She has held different roles within the credit union, but the constant in each has been her desire to help and serve others. She is excited to bring her passion for service as VP of Membership for ATDBR and looks forward to building new relationships.

Marya Grayson serves as the Vice President of Programs for ATDBR. With over two decades of professional experience in human resources, workforce development, and training, Marya brings a wealth of expertise in driving talent acquisition strategies, implementing workforce solutions, and enhancing organizational performance.

Currently a Human Resources Consultant Supervisor with Louisiana State Civil Service, Marya leads statewide initiatives to optimize workforce strategies, implement competency-based tools, and apply quality improvement processes to enhance talent acquisition and workforce development programs across state agencies.

Known for effective communication and a passion for innovation, Marya is committed to advancing talent development and building strong professional relationships to support ATD's mission.

Laci Talley is currently the Talent Development Technical Manager of Louisiana State Civil Service. In this position, Laci has helped to shape the program’s eLearning philosophy and development approach through her innovative course design, rigorous assessment standards, and continuous quality improvement. She works with her team to create multimedia learning experiences and performance support products. Prior to joining this department in 2013, Laci was as an Associate Professor of English at a local college. During her decade in higher education, in addition to teaching, she helped to create a wide variety of courses and to establish multiple administrative policies and procedures.

Laci holds a B.A. and M.A. in English from Southeastern Louisiana University. Outside of work, she is a writer, filmmaker, and pet parent to  Lola and Gizmo.

Ashley Thomas is a graduate of Louisiana State University and a native of Baton Rouge, LA. As an Instructional Designer, she is responsible for developing and creating engaging e-learning courses for Southeastern/LCWTA and its partners. Before joining Southeastern/LCWTA, Ashley spent nearly a decade teaching English Language Arts in high school. Currently, she is pursuing her Doctorate in Education.